For around ten years, the Denver Soccer Club has given girls the opportunity to play soccer for Denver. Although they have always been the same club, the playing field location has been different. The Denver Soccer Club would now like to give the girls the opportunity to have a field that is all their own.

The Denver Soccer Club is a non-profit organization. The club provides the opportunity to play recreational soccer for the Iowa Soccer League. The players travel to other towns including Tripoli, Waverly and as far as Clear Lake. The club plays in the spring from the beginning of April to the end of May and again in the fall from the beginning of September to the end of October.

“I love the soccer club because it’s an awesome program,” said player Kate Wilson. “I have played soccer since I was five. If it weren’t for the opportunity to start soccer so young, I may not be in any sports.”

“Growing my love for soccer through the Denver Soccer Club led me to want to continue playing in college,” added former player Annie Place. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

Place currently plays soccer for the Wartburg Knights.

Previously, games and practices were held where the Cyclone Center now stands. When the center was being built, the Club had to look for other locations. The idea of a soccer complex first came about by Rich Carter, Denver Soccer Club’s first president, several years ago and with no current permanent home playing field, it was time to make the idea become a reality.

A letter that was sent out to community members this fall stated, “On behalf of the Denver Soccer Club, we are asking for your support. As you may be aware, the Club has been without a permanent home for our youth soccer teams for several years. We currently rely on the generosity of the city, school, and the Denver Baptist Church to host our practices and games on constantly shifting fields of varying quality. We also have to share these fields with a number of other important youth and school activities.”

Through the support of local landowners Wes Gielau and Terri Seegers, land was donated for the soccer complex project. The development of U-8, U-10, U-12 and full-size soccer fields are currently under development on the south side of town between State Street and Hwy 63. Construction has started with the help of a $10,000 grant from the Iowa Soccer Foundation, a $2,500 check from Denver Savings Bank and through small fundraisers. Fundraising efforts have included a garage sale with items donated by players’ families, having the players wait tables at Pizza Ranch and the selling of Casey’s donuts discount cards. Most recently, a letter was sent out asking the community for donations.

“We have been getting some donations through the mailer,” said Denver Soccer Club President Mark Milder. “We are hoping that help from the community will be our biggest fundraiser.”

The Denver Soccer Club is still needing to raise approximately $150,000 to complete the project. Grading and seeding half of the complex, a shelter for equipment, bathroom and concessions and creating a parking space and street access still needs to be finished.

“Wes Gielau has been very instrumental towards the whole process of getting a new field,” said Milder. “He has given his time, expertise and donations towards the project.”

Donations are 100% tax deductible. When the project is complete, a permanent donor board will be displayed and anyone giving at least $500 will be recognized. The Denver Soccer Club wants community members to know that any amount is appreciated and will be important to the allow the completion of the project.

Any donations can be sent to: Denver Soccer Club, P.O. Box 22, Denver, IA 50622. For any questions, contact Mark Milder at denversoccerclub@gmail.com or 319-215-9500. More information on the club can be found on their Facebook page using keywords: Denver Soccer Club - IA or on their website: www.denversc.com. The Facebook page also provides a link to give a donation through PayPal.